C.H. Robinson champions sustainable and resilient supply chains across Asia
6 Feb 20246 min read
Summary
- Stephen Ly, Vice President SEA and Global Forwarding at C.H. Robinson, emphasises that sustainability must align with long‑term business viability and resource availability to ensure stable markets and future growth.
- He highlights how C.H. Robinson supports renewable‑energy clients—such as those in solar, wind, battery and EV sectors—and leverages technologies and platforms like Navisphere® and ERP systems to provide end‑to‑end visibility that enables better decision‑making and sustainability improvements.
- In the Asia‑Pacific region, Ly points out that building resilient supply chains amid natural‑disaster risk and volatility means adopting diversified, adaptable multimodal logistics networks and embracing collaboration across carriers, shippers and communities to achieve both operational agility and environmental impact.
Integrating technological advancements in supply chain and logistics operations renders a boost in efficiency and resilience. Stephen Ly’s and C.H. Robinson's stance, one of the world’s top logistics service providers, is a testament that making eco-conscious decisions drives a shift that benefits not only the present but also the future.
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“The pursuit of sustainability is aligned with long-term business viability. By addressing environmental and social concerns, companies can contribute to the overall well-being of the planet and society, ensuring the availability of resources and stable markets in the future,” Stephen said.
Stephen travels across Asia as the Vice President (VP) of Southeast Asia and Global Forwarding Business. Mainly, overseeing the strategy on business expansion, increasing profit while ensuring the deployment as well as optimization of C.H. Robinson’s resources.
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“We [C.H Robinson] manage logistics for renewable-energy projects around the globe – from manufacturing to installation to recycling. We support the solar, wind, battery, and electric vehicle industries, and our renewable-energy customers are among our largest and fastest-growing,”he added.
Logistics in motion
Having an intensive range of experiences in diverse markets, Stephen underscores that the logistics industry has a transformative nature. Wherein, networks unlock doors to business and personal opportunities.
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“Our team offers more than logistics expertise – they provide a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities of global supply chains that shippers can rely on to do supply chain analysis and design, to recommend and execute optimizations of their supply chain, and to work as an extension of their own team to overcome any challenge, disruption or volatility they may face,” Stephen said.
C.H. Robinson provides insights, technology as well as supply chain efficiencies to shippers, ushering sustainability. Among said initiatives is the integration of their Navisphere® into transportation management systems (TMS). They also make use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for online marketplaces.
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“Having end-to-end visibility enhances transparency and accountability across the supply chain, enables better decision-making and the identification of opportunities for further sustainability improvements,” Stephen shared.
In regards, he underscored that they embody sustainability in their company values, belief in doing the right thing, and their mission to improve the world’s supply chains and drive long-term business success.
Every year, C.H. Robinson engages in billions of digital transactions. According to Stephen, this is because they are the world's most- connected logistics platform and that they help drive not only innovation but also intelligence across the industry.
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“A cornerstone of our business vision involves spearheading digital transformation within the industry. We are actively working towards realizing the supply chain of the future through the implementation of automated, data-driven, and predictive technologies,” Stephen said.
Achieving resilience in Asia with C.H. Robinson
Due to varying topographies and weather conditions, ushering business operations in certain parts of Asia can be challenging. Stephen noted that the susceptibility to economic disruptions rendered the complexity of supply chains in the said region.
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“Building resilience in logistics and supply chain management, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters like parts of Asia, requires a multifaceted approach,” he shared.
For Stephen, the world has become more uncertain this post-pandemic, and black swan events are likely to be more frequent. Thus, C.H. Robinson expects the need for resilience and diversification will be critical in 2024.
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“Our emphasis on diversification and risk mitigation is a core strategy, and essential for maintaining supply chain resilience amidst global economic and political volatility. For us, as a company, it is about building supply chains that are robust, agile, and adaptive to change,” Stephen pointed out.
The pursuit of social responsibility
Stephen emphasized the growing focus on social responsibility as a crucial part of corporate governance and business strategy. He shared data from the International Data Corporation (IDC), that 45% of Asian-based organizations will operationalize integrated sustainability in their supply chain. Such, he said, is indicative of a larger regional transformation.
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"We [C.H Robinson] view that sustainability often drives innovation and efficiency. Companies that invest in sustainable practices may discover new technologies or processes that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact,” he shared.
According to him, they consider sustainability as an essential pillar of their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG). He shares that sustainability sits at the intersection of stakeholder needs and business strategy.
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“We have now reduced our emissions intensity by 47%, reaching our goal two years early. Our progress has been driven by our efforts to find efficiencies within our operations and leverage renewable energy,” he added.
Creation of strong ties and network management
C.H. Robinson leverages seamless communication and data exchange in the logistics ecosystem. This is how Stephen describes their integration of varying initiatives for an efficient and sustainable supply chain in Asia.
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“We operate globally, leveraging our extensive network and expertise to provide multimodal solutions for domestic and international logistics. This global presence allows us and our customers to navigate complex supply chain challenges and provide comprehensive solutions,” Stephen shared.
Their multimodal solutions utilize different transportation modes, covering air, ocean, rail, and truck. By having a broad range of transportation means, they can provide flexibility and scalability in accommodating their clients.
They also tailor-fit their approach accordingly to reduce carbon footprint and enhance logistics and cost efficiency. Stephen believes that being able to adapt is key in facing different situations. For him, the dynamic realm of the logistics industry made coping with distinct cultures, nuances, and language variations imperative.
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"No one company can tackle sustainability alone – it takes collaboration to build resilient supply chains and drive lasting change. C.H. Robinson has always focused on using our expertise and leadership to help our customers, carriers, and the broader industry, and make a positive impact on local communities and our planet,” he said.
A recent initiative was their participation in the World Economic Forum and the Smart Freight Centre. Into which they aim to produce a book and claim chain of custody for road transportation. Notably, the framework enables companies to gain opportunities and solutions that cater to emission concerns globally.
Rearing success and societal impact
Stephen deems that his experiences in different markets are a culmination of his success as a global leadership awardee. He considers his work in the Philippines as one of the heights of his career. Back then, he successfully transformed a logistics branch into a top-performing business.
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“My team’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence were indispensable components of our success. Their performance also highlights the importance of teamwork in driving positive outcomes within the dynamic landscape of the logistics industry,” he said.
Now, Stephen is keen on making C.H. Robinson go beyond conventional logistics solutions. Alongside, he recognizes the importance of having an awareness of the impact of one’s action on their company, people, community, planet, and future.
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“Looking ahead, our commitment to innovation and shaping the future of supply chains remains steadfast. We are dedicated to expanding our portfolio of industry-leading tools, introducing new functionalities, and enhancing existing services to meet the ever-evolving demands of the global supply chain landscape,” he capped off.